Report: Crystal Palace close in on SPFL teen star Kerr Smith; linked with Celtic in August

By Euan Davidson

January 4, 2022

Crystal Palace are closing in on Dundee United starlet Kerr Smith, who was linked to Celtic in August 2021, according to a report in the Daily Express.

Montrose-born Smith was on the Hoops’ radar at the beginning of the season, alongside Southampton, Leeds United and Leicester City [Sun].

However, the Daily Express [print edition 4/1/22, p.52] claims that Crystal Palace will pay £250,000 for the Scotland U19 defender.

Centre-back Smith broke through under Micky Mellon last year. With Thomas Courts in charge, the 17-year-old has played 7 times, including a 90-minute showing against Celtic in a 1-1 draw [Transfermarkt].

Smith has been on the radar of top English clubs for some time now. In 2020, he spent a week on trial with Manchester United [Courier]. Everton and Aston Villa were also reportedly keen on the youngster. However, it’s Crystal Palace, with a history of producing top talents, who have snuck ahead.

Palace, of course, have disappointed Celtic fans before. They signed Odsonne Edouard from Celtic in the summer. He’s gone on to have a decent impact, taking just 28 seconds of his first game to get his debut goal [CPFC]. He’s scored 5 and set up 3 in the Premier League [Transfermarkt].

Kerr Smith, previously linked with Celtic, looks to have big future ahead of him

It seems unfortunate that Celtic couldn’t get this done, but we were only ever linked with him. Nothing concrete, it seems, came of reported Hoops interest.

Instead, it seems Kerr Smith will likely have the incredible resources of a Premier League club at his disposal, should the Crystal Palace move go through.

He’d be one of several ex-Dundee United stars making an impact beyond Tayside.

Andy Robertson, now Scotland captain and a Liverpool favourite, truly kicked into gear at Dundee United. Ditto Stuart Armstrong, now of Southampton. Ryan Gauld is lighting up the MLS, having rejected moves across Europe. It’s testament to the strong Academy work the Terriers are doing.

Celtic, though, have plenty of young talents to keep tabs on. Tommy McIntyre is blessed with a B Team that includes Watford’s former Academy Player of the Year, Bosun Lawal. Ex-Tottenham prospect Tobi Oluwayemi, hotly-tipped Ireland youth international Rocco Vata and young Bhoys like Adam Brooks and Ben Wylie are sure to have exciting careers.

Ultimately, Kerr Smith won’t be on that list, barring any late drama.

Read more: The full list of Celtic players who likely won’t be at Parkhead come February 1st